Susan realized she needed help and turned to Bethlehem counselor Jennifer Perreault.

That was a year ago. Perreault says Susan is better now, but it wasn't an easy road.

"Susan was willing to do the work. She came to me at a time when she was at the bottom. She said, 'I can't do this anymore,'" says Perreault.

After a combination of medication and therapy, Susan is doing well now. She hopes to raise awareness about depression.

" I don't think I'll ever be cured of depression. It's something I always deal with and I know how to deal with it now and that's the really important thing."

Perreault adds, " I want people to know that it's not their fault. So many people who don't have depression look at others and say, 'let's get going.' They can't change it."

Studies show rates of depression in women are twice as high as they are in men.

But of course, anyone can develop depression at at age and stage of life.

Perreault says if you or someone you know is depressed and experiencing suicidal thoughts, you should go to your nearest emergency room or dial 9-1-1.

You can also contact the Lehigh County Crisis Intervention office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (610) 782-3127.

In Northampton County, call (610) 252-9060.

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